Ingredients
For the Cupcakes:
- 1 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 🌾
- 1 tbsp Hershey’s cocoa powder 🍫
- 1/2 tsp baking soda 🥄
- 1/2 tsp salt 🧂
- 1/2 cup unsalted butter, softened 🧈
- 3/4 cup granulated sugar 🍬
- 1 large egg 🥚
- 1/2 cup buttermilk or plant-based milk with vinegar 🥛
- 1 tbsp red food coloring ❤️
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
- 1/2 tsp white vinegar 🍶
For the Frosting:
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened 🧀
- 1/4 cup butter, softened 🧈
- 1 1/2 cups powdered sugar 🍥
- 1 tsp vanilla extract 🌿
Topping:
- Red sprinkles or sanding sugar 🎊
- Mini Hershey’s Kisses or chocolate chips (optional) 🍫
Instructions
Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Line a cupcake pan with liners.
2. Mix Dry IngredientsIn a bowl, whisk together flour, cocoa powder, baking soda, and salt.
3. Cream Butter and SugarIn a large bowl, beat butter and sugar until light and fluffy. Add egg and beat well.
4. Combine Wet IngredientsMix buttermilk, red food coloring, vanilla, and vinegar in a separate bowl.
5. Bring It All TogetherGradually add the flour mixture and the wet mixture to the creamed butter, alternating, and mix until just combined.
6. BakeDivide batter evenly among cupcake liners. Bake for 18-20 minutes or until a toothpick comes out clean. Cool completely.
7. Make the FrostingBeat cream cheese and butter until smooth. Add powdered sugar and vanilla, and beat until creamy and fluffy.
8. Decorate Like a BlossomPipe a generous swirl of frosting onto each cupcake. Top with red sprinkles and a mini Hershey’s Kiss or decorative chocolate, if desired.
Notes
Creative Twists & Tips 🧑🍳✨
- Chocolate Center: Place a Hershey’s Kiss inside the batter for a gooey surprise.
- Mini Cupcakes: Make bite-sized versions for parties and potlucks.
- Holiday Themes: Use green sprinkles for Christmas, pink for Valentine’s Day, or blue for birthdays.